Places and prices accurate as of 2019
The king of road trips! When travellers get together and share their tales of the road, the Alaska highway is regarded as a daring journey, a challenge to any weathered explorer.
I can tell you: the rugged beauty and diverse culture on this highway are the real attractions. When you are not enjoying a homestyle diner or unique attraction, you will be carving through the exhilarating corners, twists, and turns of the northern Rockies.
This is a road that does not simply get you to where you are going. It has the power to change the way you live. Allow yourself to take the time to see some of these simple but powerful sights and meet unbelievably pleasant locals.
1. Charlie Lake Memorial, Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada
Yes, many would instinctively put the “mile zero” Marker as their first place to visit. Although Dawson Creek does have excellent attractions, I think it is more important to look back before you step ahead. At the Charlie Lake memorial in Fort St. John, you can peer into the past and pay your respects to those who sacrificed for the world we know and love today. Twelve allied soldiers lost their lives transporting equipment and resources to a construction camp. It took a coalition of over 11,000 American and Canadian soldiers just over six months to complete the original ‘daring’ highway. The monument stands 12 feet high and is surrounded by 12 posts, each marked in honour of those who gave their lives. When in front of the memorial, visitors will be able to look at where the supply barge, built the day before, went down. As a veteran, I took this moment to reflect and thank all those who lost their lives not to the enemy’s hands but to the war effort itself. Not only is this a good opportunity to learn about the highways’ honest beginnings, but stepping off from here will allow you to appreciate this trip much more.
The site is free to visit and is a short distance off the highway.
2. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada
You’ve been on the road for a while now, feeling like taking a break? How about Liard River hot springs? Canada’s second-largest hot springs. The provincial park offers campsites on both sides of the highway, which come in handy after you’ve had a relaxing soak. To access the springs, a boardwalk stretches over a warm lagoon before winding its way through the boreal forest, giving the feeling of crossing into a mysterious land. Travellers are rewarded with a very accommodating hot spring. Benches that offer different seat heights and a secondary spring for those who prefer a cooler soak. The hot springs amenities provide changing facilities and compost toilets.
The park is open year-round. Day-use fee from April 1 to October 31. $5 – adult $3 – children
$10 – family. Site passes are $10 for adults or $20 for families. Camping on park grounds
3. Signpost Forest, Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada
Now that you have seen what beautiful British Columbia has to offer, it is the great Yukon territory’s turn. It doesn’t waste time giving travellers a warm welcome with the colourful and engaging experience of the world-famous signpost forest. A tradition started by a homesick soldier, Private Carl K. Lindley, made a cheeky addition to the road sign for Watson Lake when he included a road sign to his hometown of Danville, Illinois, 4,400 kilometres away. Again, I felt a connection to this site as I, too, was once a homesick soldier. After you stretch your legs touring the ‘forest’, stop by a local diner for a bite. Kathy’s Kitchen makes an excellent hot turkey sandwich, perfect for a road trip lunch!
Roadside diners are cost-effective for hungry travellers, and the signpost forest is free to explore.
4. Miner’s daughter, Dirty Northern restaurant and pub, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
I hope everyone who experiences the Alaska highway will plan to stay in Whitehorse. An absolute jewel of the frontier, this little big town is as friendly as it is beautiful. If you enjoy hiking, there are plenty of treks and free attractions. The Miles Canyon Basalts and the Yukon Suspension Bridge are two great examples. It truly is an adventurer’s playground. However, my favourite part after a long day of riding and hiking was sitting down among other travellers and tipping a pint at the Dirty Northern Public House. The Miner’s Daughter restaurant. This establishment has a delectable menu with cuisine that will surprise foodie travellers. It was here that I first tried a Potato pizza and was pleasantly surprised. I suggest this spot to travellers of legal age and the Miner’s Daughter for the travelling family.
Hotels are located in White Horse, with campgrounds surrounding the town for a summer-time option.
5. University of Alaska’s Museum of the North, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
You have made it, Alaska at last! With the Tanana River at your side, the feeling of adventure truly embeds itself into your heart. The shoulders of the road are made spectacular with purple fireweed, along with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. The deal is sealed. Alaska is now a part of you. Fairbanks has many attractions, but I would highly recommend ending your trip with a visit to the stunning museum of the North. Since we paid our respects to the people who built the road at the start, I think it is suitable to pay our respects to those who first inhabited this diamond in the rough. There is no better way than to learn about Alaska and its cultural traditions.
Hotels are located in Fairbanks. Campgrounds are limited.
Museum admission: $16 – Adult $9 – Children. Discounts are offered with consideration.
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